Month: April 2018

With over 30 percent of all women’s shoe sales being size nine and above, there is big money in selling large size women shoes. The fact is women’s feet are getting bigger. While women over the age of 35 have an average shoe size of seven and a half, their younger counterparts average a shoe size of eight and a half.

This “growing” demand for women’s shoes in sizes nine through fifteen has spawned many new retailers and shoe manufacturers who specialize in larger sizes. Twenty years ago, a woman with big feet had very limited options in shoes. Now, she can choose from a vast array of business, casual, and even golfing shoes.

It is estimated that approximately 85 percent of women buy shoes in the wrong size. Most often, they buy shoes that are too small. Ill-fitting shoes can contribute to a whole host of medical problems including bunions, corns, hammertoes, and calluses. With the larger sizes more commonly available now, women are finding the styles that they want in the sizes that they need. This is a welcome relief for the many women who have bought shoes in a too-small size because there was no other option.

If you are a woman with big, glorious feet, make sure that you have both of your feet sized every time you buy shoes. Take the measurement standing up and sitting down. Ask the salesperson for suggestions on shoe brands that might work with your foot size and shape.

If you are trying to minimize the size of your feet, look for shoes with rounded toes and moderate heels. You may want to stay away from pointy pumps, ballerina flats, and t-straps that can lengthen the appearance of your feet. It is also best to stick to neutral tones or colors that blend well with hose or pants.

Finally, keep in mind that if the average shoe size of women keeps growing, you may find yourself having smaller than average feet. Those jokes about your less than dainty tootsies will certainly be a thing of the past.

The price of a pearl necklace depends on the quality of its pearls. Saltwater pearls are generally more expensive than freshwater ones, which are cultured. The sheen and the thickness of the pearls’ nacre also affect the price, as well as the size and roundness of the pearls themselves. Pearl necklaces of various colors are available on the market. Smaller pearls in light hues of blue or pink are usually more suitable for young children, while the creamier, ivory-toned pearls are preferred by older women. Jewelry pieces made from black pearls are very, very expensive, since these pearls are so rare.

According to Chinese folklore, pearls are the tears of a dragon. In Roman mythology, they are the tears of Venus. Jewelry designers, in their tireless efforts to do justice to the legendary beauty of these gems, have been adding their own twists to the pearl necklace. Aside from the classic strand, the pearls used in necklaces are sometimes set in gold, silver or platinum. Some designers also mix pearls with other gems to create a unique effect. Extra ornaments, such as charms or a brooch, can also be attached to a pearl necklace to give it a personalized flair.

Caring for a pearl necklace does not involve a lot of fuss. The most advisable thing to do is to wear it often, because if it’s stored away for long periods of time, it will dry up and lose its sheen. The body’s natural oils will keep the pearls looking lustrous and fresh. It’s also important to avoid having the pearls come in contact with substances such as hair spray or body lotion, since these can also adversely affect the pearls’ condition.

The popularity of the pearl necklace has never waned both among ordinary people and society’s elite. The quintessential fashion plate, Jackie Kennedy, had a passion for pearls; so does actress Maria Berenson. Other celebrities often photographed wearing pearl necklaces are Michelle Pfeiffer, Sophia Loren, Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton. The versatility of pearls is such that fashion experts are even predicting an increase in the number of men who will start wearing pearl-accented dress accessories. For now, however, there is very little to surpass the elegance of the sight of a pearl necklace gracing the neckline of a woman, whether she’s a celebrity or not.

Take time to build a casual wardrobe and you will always feel more put together and comfortable.

1. Choose your outfits in your best colors. Start with 3 colors that look great on you and build around those.

2. For workout clothes buy a sweat suit that suits you in color and shape. You will always look great leaving the gym and won’t be too embarrassed to stop into a store to pick something up on the way home.

3. Jewelry should not be worn with a bathing suit; both perfume and jewelry should not be worn at the gym.

4. Jeans are a great casual item and look better if they are in good condition and are more slimming if they are in a darker color.

5. Women find it difficult to get jeans to fit well and often wear jeans that are not very flattering. To find the perfect jeans for your body type takes a little work, time and patience and you may have to try on a good number of pairs before you find the right fit.

6. Stay away from tight fitting pants or jeans if you do no have slim thighs. A looser fit is much more slimming and flattering.

Be HONEST! What is your body shape? Even thin people have parts that should not be enhanced and those that should. Is it time for me to say it already? “Just because they make it in your size does not mean you should buy it.”

Arms – are yours toned? Then wear sleeveless and capped sleeves. If there is even the hint of flab, keep it covered. OK, stop whining. If you buy the correct fabric, you won’t be hot. Natural fabrics, such as cotton are much cooler than synthetic fabrics. In fact, having your arms constantly exposed to the sun can make you even warmer.

Bust – If you have a large bust, do not accentuate with tops gathered around the bust or with horizontal stripes. If you have a smaller bust, wearing wrap, criss-cross, or gathered tops will make you look a little bigger.

Stomach & Hips – Sigh! Here we go again with those low-rise pants. Please, let me get through one day without seeing flab hanging over a pair of low-rise pants. Wearing low-rise pants and a short shirt with that hint of flab hanging over makes you look ridiculous, not cool. If you want to cover a little tummy bulge, wear a shirt that cuts in under the bust and then flares a little.

Legs & Thighs – Look at the back of your legs. If they are not toned or if you have an excess of cellulite, avoid short shorts.

Legs & Ankles – Pant lengths are crucial here. If your pants are the wrong lengths you will look dumpy, short, like you have all leg or you have chunky ankles. Capris and cropped pants come in all lengths so select one that is flattering to your shape.

So here are the 5 rules:

Wear a length sleeve that makes your arms look in proportion.

Wear tops that skim the bust to diminish or gather at the bust to enhance.

Wear shirts that flatter not make you fatter. The same goes for the rise of pants.

Watch the cut of your pants. You don’t want to accentuate hips, knees or thighs if those are problem areas.

The length and shape of your legs and ankles will determine the length of your pants.

OK, I feel compelled to say it just one more time. “Just because they make it in your size does not mean you should buy it.”

On a final note…don’t wear sandals and flip flops if you are not going to take care of your feet.

Stay tuned for our next article on bathing suits that flatter not fatten.